Effect of Surface Modification on the Characteristics of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Concrete Treated with Na2CO3

Abstract

Concrete with fiber as a reinforcing material is one of the important fields of research that is gaining traction in this upcoming green technology revolution. By adding fibers to concrete, the tensile strength properties are vastly improved without compromising the strength characteristics, and cost fluctuation is minimal. This research is being carried out to improve the qualities of concrete that have been infused with chemically treated sisal fiber in varied ratios. The paper investigates and describes the effects of sisal fiber when it is chemically treated and infused with concrete, comparing it to ordinary concrete in strength tests. Water absorption, workability, and other material characteristics of Sisal fiber reinforced concrete with 0.5 per cent, 1 per cent, 1.5 per cent, and 2 per cent fiber replacing cement by volume fraction and a sisal fiber aspect ratio of 1:100 are compared to the traditional M30 concrete grade. After being treated with an alkaline solution, 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent sisal fiber reinforced concrete increased tensile and compressive strength, as well as the formation of calcium carbonate deposits on the fiber interfaces; this also contributes to the concrete’s corrosion resistance and durability.

Keywords

• aspect ratio, sisal fiber, green technology, material characteristics, volume fraction